“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” – Alexander Graham Bell
Every executive who moves into their personal best of leadership has the ability to shed control to the appropriate people. This is a difficult and important focus especially when shifts in economy and market require organizations to shift. While it may be important to rightsize and downsize it is imperative that this not be the control mechanism you use to lead or guide a team or company. The key to growth is to grow…. in order to do that it takes the ability to let go of old actions and move into the right activities to grow your organization.
“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
Indicators it is time to let go:
No one can do it as well as you
You have all the right answers
You get involved in the tactics of the business
A new project cannot move through your company without your involvement
Your people never quite get it right…without you
“When you let go, you let grow.” Bobbie Goheen
Leaders who release control are:
Better decision makers
See new opportunities and influence the right people to make it happen
Create high growth companies, teams and organizations
Take risks
Are better able to move to new frontiers
Understand their role is to create the path instead of follow others
Have great synergy in their direct report meetings
Activity of Successful Leaders:
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you….and leverage that
Describe the end goal, the current reality, the opportunity and let people to define a path forward
Look for new ways to grow opportunities for your company, team in the world today
Realize, you have to figure out a new path forward and engage your team and trusted advisors to help you
“Change is never easy, you fight to hold on, and you fight to let go.” – The Wonder Years
Control Release Activities:
Make a list of what you do and release 80% of them to the talented people around you
Define three key activities that if you gave them full attention you could forge an important path for your company/team/industry
Take the risk to do the things you do not want to do because you intellectualized them as too much time and effort
We are only as great as our ability to grow and let go….
Bobbie Goheen
